WHEN Queen Elizabeth visited Cork on May 20 she was presented with a hamper by the traders of the city’s English Market. The presentation took place at the Fountain in the market. One of the more unusual lots at Woodwards sale in Cork on May 25 is a Victorian cast iron fountain similar to the one in the market.
It is almost certainly from the ironworks of W.R. Harris of Great Georges St. (now Washington St.) in Cork. Their plate adorns the decorative Arts and Crafts Movement inspired fountain which has been a focal point in Cork since the 1860’s.
The three tier fountain at Woodwards came from a grand house in North Cork. With ornate cast acanthus leaves it is smaller than but similar to the fountain in the market which was originally the main source of water for traders.
It is estimated at 2,000-3,000. The Woodwards sale is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25.